Organisers and exhibitors recently welcomed a record 1,600 people to the Hamble Boat Show, held at MDL’s Hamble Point Marina. Each year, the free event celebrates the start of the boating season and brings together boating enthusiasts and members of the local community for an action-packed family weekend on and off the water.
This year’s show attracted a high number of quality exhibitors, including SBS, Rib Shack Marine, Cornish Crabbers, Marco Marine and HeliAir. The event is renowned as being one of the South’s most popular new and used boat shows, showcasing boats for all budgets, from day boats to sports boats, cruisers and RIBS.
A family friendly event, visitors were able to enjoy on-water displays and many more took advantage of the opportunity to actually get out on the water and take RIB rides in conjunction with C2 RIBS and the RYA Active Marina Programme. Hambledon Wineries also reported a great show with strong sales and the Coffee Cruiser saw a solid demand for refreshments throughout the weekend.
Visitors to the show also took advantage of the Distress Flare Amnesty that was run in conjunction with the Hampshire Constabulary Marine Unit, and over 1,380 out-of-date flares were handed in between 10am and 3pm on Sunday 17th May.
Nicholas Parton, Hamble Point Marina Manager, commented: “This year’s Hamble Boat Show has proved to be another resounding success. We have had very positive feedback from both visitors and exhibitors. Visitor numbers were significantly up on last year, no doubt helped by the weather and also the impressive list of exhibitors we attracted. The exhibitors also reported a good show, with many securing sales and gaining strong new leads. A number of companies have already voiced their commitment to next year’s show.”
The show is part of the BMF’s “On the Water” initiative, which aims to encourage the nation to get out on the water.
For more information about the Hamble Boat Show, visit www.hambleboatshow.co.uk.